This is a zine dedicated to black metal written by a follower of the left hand path, This zine has been around in a different format for a while and I have decided to make an edition for www.blogger.com, for more information email occultblackmetalzine@yahoo.com, new albums as well as classic albums will be reviewed on here as long as their good quality black metal,

Monday, July 30, 2012

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

In a few words, we are Deuteronomy from Hellas and we play black metal. October of 2008 was the creation of the band, by me (LORD) and Daemon as Egnum.We released a promo in 2009 including 2 songs that received good reviews from the press. Then on 2011 due to our new musical/lyrical level,a new name was decided and Deuteronomy was chosen.

We started working on the pre-production of the album and cooperation with Swedish drummer Fredrik Widigs (Demonical,Witchery),then we entered the studio.

The drums were recorded in Sweden and all the other instruments were recorded by me, plus the mixing.In the meanwhile we were featured in a compilation by Panzerfaust Productions(UK) with one of our old tracks and many people learned about us that way.

The album was finished this month and a promo including 2 songs is now spread all over the metal zines. Day by day more people are becoming aware of our existence.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

In general it's black metal.Fast,aggressive,violent and epic.All the riffs come purely from our unconscious.No planning or conscious thought on this part and the final product is a result of pure honest inspiration.

The 7-string guitar also gives a whole new dimension when you use it as an actual 7-string (and not just the 2 lower strings or the 6 strings like a standard guitar),It has a different philosophy and character and it's something very rare on the scene with this approach.

Nowadays many bands play so-called "DSBM",or very old school stuff with a punk or NWOBHM vibe and we have nothing to do with both directions.

Blastbeats and double bass are very frequent on the album However, there are 3 songs without those elements. So the album is not monotonous.

The performance is solid and every instrument plays an important role on our sound.

The production totally represents the music of the band. It's not too modern but it's definitely not old school.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

Each song of the album is based on an atrocious “event”/tale from the Old Testament of the bible .Only one song is taken from the New Testament. We stand against all Abrahamic religions. More important, we do not write in the typical way.We simply expose the sadistic cruelty of Jahweh that is written in the bible .Stoning women to death, genocide,human sacrifice are typical stuff anyone can find if they actually open and read it cover to cover.

"Jesus" states on Matthew that he came to expand those laws/beliefs.

In the booklet that we design for this album,each page along with the lyrics of each song, will include all the specific parts of the bible where each song is based on, since the majority hasn't examined this "book" that's consider to be so Holy.

On our website that's currently being built, we will upload details about the lyrics, plus a studio blog.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Deuteronomy is one of the most violent books in the Bible. So it was perfect for our approach.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

We haven't played any shows yet. We are looking forward for that in order to support our album. We have offers to play in Athens, UK and the US.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

We've talked with a few agencies but nothing is sure right now.US Agencies are also more interested in us, so it will be amazing to perform there, but again everything must happen after a release of the album.

7. Currently you are unsigned, what kind of label are you looking for to put your music out?

We are looking for a serious label to co-operate with. We seek a label which will promote the album in the best way for its interest and our interest. Nowadays it's very easy for a band to sell it on it's own, but a serious label can achieve more if there's ‘chemistry’. That doesn't mean we will sign any offer, we have to carefully examine it. If not, we move forward.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by the black metal fans that have heard it so far?

It's been great and everyday is growing, everyone that contacted us(mainly from the US, France, UK, Germany,Sweden and Hellas) truly enjoyed the uploaded song so we are very confident for the album. We've sent the promo to more than 50 zines until now, so more people will learn us when more reviews will start appearing.

9.Are there any current side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

I play bass in Cease of Breeding,a brutal death metal band. We have one album called "Sounds of Disembowelment", released by Amputated Vein records in 2010.We've recently released a promo-CD and you can hear one song right here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CauaUcafSUk 1080 for best quality

Daemon just started a Crust/Hardcore band, there's no name at the moment it's gonna be dirty and sick.

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

We never plan what to do because this is exactly what kills the inspiration. As I said, all the melodies come from our unconscious without any pressure or planned directions.

We already have new material but it's to early to comment.

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Wold are a band from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada that mixes occult black metal with ritualistic and noise music and this is a review of t heir 2012 album "Freemasonry" which was released by Profound Lore Records.

Drum programming ranges from slow, mid paced to fast beats, while the noise devices and synths bring a very occult, ritualistic and dark harsh noise sound to the music, as for t he bass playing it has a very strong and powerful tone with some heavy riffs when they are utilized.

Rhythm guitars when utilized range from slow, mid paced to fast riffs that combine primitive black metal with drone and noise along with a great amount of heavy distortion in the background and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording with a mixture of short and long/epic songs.

Vocals are mostly high pitched and grim sounding black metal screams mixed in with a brief use of experimental and industrial style vocals in addition there are some spoken word parts on the last song, while the lyrics cover Satanism, Occultism, Freemason, Cabala and Biblical themes in the more Left Hand Path Gnostic direction, as for the production it has a very dark, heavy, raw and primitive sound to it while you can still hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Wold are a very great sounding hybrid of occult black metal, ritual and noise music and if you are a fan of this style of music, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "SDL" "Black Goat Of Leviticus" "Working Tools For Praris" and "Freemasonry". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Nihill are a band from the Netherlands that has been featured before in this zine with a musical style that I would describe as being occult black metal mixed in with elements of doom metal and noise and this is a review of their 2012 album "Verdonkermann" which was released by Hydra Head Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the noise effects bring a very dark, occult, ritualistic and avant garde sound to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very dark, raw and primitive sounding mixed in with some influences from doom metal and noise, while the lead guitars are very dark, raw and primitive sounding occult black metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams that have a very depressive feeling to them at times as well as mixing in some deep sounding growls as well as a brief use of spoken word ritualistic parts being used on one song, while the lyrics cover Occultism, Gnosticism and Death Worship, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it with the songs being very long and epic in length.

In my opinion this is another great album from Nihill and if you are a fan of this band, you should enjoy this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Spiral The Tail Eater" and "Trauma Crushing Serpens Meruricles". RECOMMENDED BUY.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?We’re a four-piece extreme metal band. We have Tom on bass, he’s a pretty huge guy with Norse blood in him, and his bass doubles as a murder weapon. Mark is the drummer, in his spare time he trains his calf muscles by going around town kicking chavs in the head. Clinton is our vocalist, he can scream all day and talk perfectly fine afterwards. I think for practice he gargles knives or something. I’m Alex, I come from Malaysia and I’m basically just a guitar bum. The band has been going for about 10 months – in that time we’ve recorded a demo, played 5 gigs, and matured a hell of a lot as musicians. (Alex)

2. How would you describe your musical sound?I dont think there is a set genre or sound to our music since we all bring a variety of different metal into our songs, I wouldn't call us death metal but I wouldn't call us black metal either I would just say extreme metal becuase we take a lot of influence from both sides and from other genres as well (Tom)

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?Lyricly there is no one topic. The content ranges from fantasy to personal dark experiences and philosiphies. Story telling plays a big part to bring you into another realm influenced by some of the most disturbing things I've encounterd or dreamt up. (Clinton)

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?Although we are more than aware Nathicana is an awsome song by 1349 we took our name from the poem by H.P Lovecraft. It is a parody on stylistic excess which have no meaning, but as all things you can interperete how ever you like. I think it fits the band well as we dont give in to any trend and have any fancy look at me bull shit. (Clinton)

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?Our first headline gig at The Peel in Kingston was our best performance so far, I think. It’s great having bands play before you to get the crowd energized (even if the crowd isn’t very big). When playing live we try to be as energetic as possible and get as much power and ferocity into the music as we can. Above all we get really into the music and have fun. (Alex)

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?Yes if we are lucky enough to get signed, I think the best place to tour would be europe since there isn't as big of a fanbase for extreme metal in england as there used to be, it's all just shitty core metal right now (Tom)

7. Currently you are unsigned are you looking for a label and if so, what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for your music?Personaly I think candlelight and peaceville would be an ideal choice for our music and they are home to so many of our favourite bands so maybe we can do some mighty tours haha (Mark)

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black and extreme metal?So far I’ve found that even non-metalheads that I’ve shown our tracks to have been able to appreciate us – I think it’s partly because the songs are quite distinct; the riffs are really simple, but rhythmically powerful and with a lot of energy, so they can actually get into it on that level. As for metalheads, the reaction has been pretty positive. A lot of people say we sound raw and old-school, which is great. I'm currently visiting my family in Malaysia so I'll be spreading some of our demos around and seeing what the Malaysian scene thinks of us! (Alex)

9. Are there any other current side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?Me and mark are currently working on a pure black metal project but its only in our spare time as Nathicana is our main focus right now (Tom)

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?Right now I think we are heading towards something good with our diverse influences we are blending the most extreme elements of the metal genre and have produced a unique heavy sounding metal band and as we grow as musicians it will only get stronger! I don't think you will ever see us heading towards a more mainstream metal market not with me still in the band anyway \m/ (Mark)

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?I think there are too many bands to name when it comes to influences since each individual member of our group has simular but diffrent tastes in metal, I personally listen to a lot of black metal, such as marduk, gorgoroth, mayhem ect. (Tom)

12. How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?It's not for the weak minded (Tom)Its a good topical theme for writing angry music too. I am a self confessed athiest but I admire how religion has keeped society going since the dawn of time! There has always been some form of something to believe in! (Mark)

13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?I draw, and I’m into comic books, videogames, fitness, feminism, LGBT rights, and atheism. I also like history, particularly anything about colonialism and how it’s royally fucked the world up. (Alex)I have a massive interest in military history weapons castles and keeping my fitness levels up to a high standard (Mark)Outside of music inside of music I like getting fucked up, I like strongbow, vodka and weed and playing the dirtiest metal can at work to piss off customers at my work! (Clinton)Gaming, fitness, writing music and just writing in general, satanism, computers, history, science, I like doing a bit of airsofting it gets your blood pumping, a total rush! and of course being unsociable (Tom)

14. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?To any fans reading this - thanks for your support! Keep headbanging \m/ (Alex)Keep listening to extreme fucking metal \m/ (Mark)We must keep REAL metal alive! Come see us and get your face torn off! (Tom)Keep suporting metal and your local underground bands, come down to our shows and have a fucking nice day (Clinton

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Krv are a band from Serbia that has been featured before in t his zine with a musical style that I would describe as being raw and primitive sounding pagan/black metal and this is a review of their 2008 album "Ponor" which was re-issued by War Productions during the year of 2012.

Drums range from slow, mid paced, to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black/pagan metal riffs that are very dark, raw and primitive sounding in the early 90's vein with some thrash influences, while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very dark sounding extreme metal leads.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics are written in Serbian and cover Slavic Paganism and Politics, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound in the classic black metal tradition.

In my opinion this was a great sounding album from Krv and if you are a fan of raw and primitive sounding Slavic black metal, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Ponor" "Za Slavu Slobode" and "Pohod". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Nathicana are a band from the U.K that plays black metal with a death metal edge and this is a review of their self released 2012 demo.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that combine some death metal influences and melody into the riffing as wel as a brief use of doom metal influences, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding black/death metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams that have a depressive feeling to them at times as well as some deeper growls, while the lyrics cover dark and occult themes, as for the production it has a very strong and powerful sound for being a self released recording.

In my opinion Nathicana are a very great sounding black metal band with a death metal edge and if you are a fan of this style of music, you should check out this ep. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Devour". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Deuteronomy are a band from Greece that plays a very fast and brutal form of black metal and this is a review of their 2012 promo.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a great amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful sound with heavy riffing that dominates throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very heavy and brutal sounding with some raw and primitive elements as well as a brief use of clean playing and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are all high pitched hateful black metal screams, while the lyrics cover dark and occult themes, as for the production it has a very strong and powerful sound for being a self released recording where you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Deuteronomy are a very great heavy and brutal sounding black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical style, you should check out this ep. RECOMMENDED TRACK "None To Remain". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Munruthel are a band from Ukraine that h as been featured before in this zine that played a very atmospheric form of Slavonic pagan/black metal on this recording and this is a review of their 2006 album "Epoch Of Aquarius" which was re-issued by Svarga music during the year of 2012.
]
Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown into the music at times as well as some tribal sounding percussion, while the synths bring a very epic, pagan, ambient and atmospheric sound to the music mixed in with some classical music elements as well as a brief use of flutes that bring in medieval elements, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful sound with heavy riffing that dominates throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast pagan black metal riffs that utilize some primitive elements while still adding heavy parts and melodies to the riffing, while t he lead guitars are very melodic sounding pagan metal guitar solos and leads that utilize some traditional metal elements at times, as for the acoustic guitars when t hey are utilized they use full chords and finger picking to bring in some folk music elements.

Vocals range from grim sounding pagan black metal screams mixed in with a good amount of clean singing as well as a brief use of spoken word parts, while the lyrics cover Slavic Paganism and nature themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it while you can s till hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording with some of the songs being long and epic in length.

In my opinion this is was a great album from Munruthel and if you are a f an of Slavonic pagan black metal, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Raven Cloak" "I Was Confined By Dreams" and "Black Sun" which is a Dead Can Dance cover. RECOMMENDED BUY.

Khors are a band from Ukraine that has been featured before in this zine with a musical style that I would describe as being atmospheric pagan black metal and this is a review of their 2012 album "Wisdom Of Centuries" which was released by Candlelight Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown into the music at times as well as mixing in some tribal sounding percussion, while the synths bring a very dark, pagan and atmospheric sound to the music with some ambient elements being utilized at times, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast atmospheric pagan/black metal riffs that mix raw and primitive element with a great amount of melody as well as a more modern sound mixed in with some more progressive influences, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding guitar solos and leads that utilize a great amount of talent and skill, as for the acoustic guitars when t hey are utilized they use finger picking to add to the more progressive elements of the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched hateful black metal screams that utilize a deeper tone at times as well as a brief use of whispered vocals, while the lyrics cover darkness, nature and paganism, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and heavy sound without sounding either to over or under produced in addition some of the songs are very long and epic in length.

In my opinion this is another great album from Khors and if you are a f an of this band, you should enjoy this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Black Forest's Flaming Eyes" "The Last Leaves" and "The Only Time Will Take It Away". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Reverence are a band from France that plays a very atmospheric and experimental form of industrial style black metal and this is a review of their 2012 album "The Asthenic Ascension" which was released by Candlelight Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music, while the synths and programming bring a very atmospheric, experimental and industrial sound to the music and at times they utilize elements of classical music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very heavy with some raw and primitive elements as well as some dark sounding melodies and industrial influences being thrown into the riffing as well as some clean playing, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding guitar solos and leads with the songs being very long and epic in length.

Vocals range from high pitched black metal screams, deep growls and clean singing industrial style vocals as well as a brief use of samples, while the lyrics cover Darwinism, Dark, Anti Religion and Violent themes, as for t he production it has a very strong, powerful and heavy sound.

In my opinion Reverence are a very great sounding hybrid of industrial, dark, and black metal and if you are a fan of this style of music, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Darwin's Black Hall" "Ghost Of Dust" and "Those Who believed". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Wodensthrone are a band from the United Kingdom that plays a very dark atmospheric, progressive, raw and primitive form of pagan black metal and this is a review of their 2012 album "Curse" which was released by Candlelight Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the keyboards bring a very dark and atmospheric sound to the music mixed in with some folk instruments that bring a very progressive and pagan sound to the music in addition there are some sounds of nature being utilized at times, as for t he bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast pagan black metal riffs that are very dark, raw and primitive sounding with a great amount of dark sounding melodies being thrown into the riffing, while the lead guitars are very modern and melodic sounding black metal guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when utilized they use full chords and finger picking to bring a folk music sound to the recording with the songs being very long and epic in length.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some aggressive shouting and clean singing as well as a brief use of deep growls, while the lyrics cover dark and Nordic Pagan themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and heavy sound which does not take away from the raw and primitive elements of the music.

In my opinion Wodensthrone are a very great sounding dark, atmospheric, progressive, raw and primitive pagan black metal band and if you are a f an of t his style of music, you should c heck out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Jormungandr" "The Great Darkness" and "The Storm". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Aeternum are a band from the United Kingdom that plays black metal with a death metal edge and this is a review of their self released 2012 ep "Through Death We Descend".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the synths which are only used on the intro bring a very dark sound to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful tone with heavy riffing that dominates throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that utilize a great amount of dark sounding melodies and death metal influences in the riffing as well as a brief use of clean playing, while the lead guitars a re very melodic sounding guitar solos and leads that have a traditional metal feeling to them, as for the classical guitars when they are used briefly they use finger picking to enhance the darkness that is coming out of the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal s creams mixed in with some deep death metal growls, while the lyrics cover dark and occult themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and heavy sound for being a self released recording and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Aeternum are a very great sounding black metal band with a death metal and melodic edge and if you are a fan of this style of music, you should check out this ep. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Non Servian" and "The Lightbearer". RECOMMENDED BUY.

1. Can you give us an update
on what is going on with the band these days?

Well we just released a spilt cd along with
Hexemeister (Ukraine) through Moribund records and we had our
debut full length album pressed on vinyl through Cold void. We're
also planning a split cd release along with Dodsferd which will
probably be released in a couple of months and we have already started
working on new tracks that will constitute our second abomination.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new
album and how it differs from previous releases?

The new stuff is far more raw and brutal than the
previous releases and that’s for sure. It’s a reflection of our feelings so
everything comes natural.

There are no ''new'' elements or
''experiments''. Its just straightforward black metal in the way we see
it.

3. Recently there was a split album released between
your band and Hexenmeister, what are you thoughts on the other band that
participated?

Hexenmeister really did great in this release. His
music fitted well with our track and managed to create a really desperate
atmosphere. If our track helped the listener in sinking even deeper
to his putridity then Hexenmeister helped him reach the bottom.

4. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects
the new release explores?

Wrath is the only right person to talk about the
lyrical concept. I could say that the lyrical stuff works as a mirror of the
music. Nihilism, irony and self-abnegation complete the puzzle.

5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the
bands name?

There is no secret message behind the band’s name.
It's just a collaboration of Wrath’s and mine Nicknames. Looking a little bit
further I would say that it represents our common vision on how this music
is supposed to be apprehended, written and played. It should be as raw and extreme
as it takes.

6. What are some of the best shows that the band has
played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Every show is special for us so it’s hard to choose
one. As far as the stage show performance goes we're not having anything
special. We're not the kind of band that uses all these stuff with the
candles and the banners and the crucified animals. If we want to see something
like this we'll probably go to a theater. We feel more comfortable and
our message is spread clearer by using just our instruments. Having
a ''special'' stage performance sometimes works as a tool to cover your music's
weakness.

7. Do you have any touring plans in the future?

For now we're focused on composing and rehearsing the
new material so we're not having any plans for touring. But we're
always combatant to play wherever and whenever we're asked to.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to
your newer music by fans of black metal?

We're not interested about the worldwide feedback that
much. If our music reaches someone's ears and our stuff is deeply
comprehended that’s great. If not then we're ok with that. Our place lies
in the underground gutter anyway.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into
on future releases?

The new stuff that is currently rehearsed sounds
even rougher than the first album. We're satisfied with what we're having
for now and this is how we'll move on. We're not having a plan about
how we're going to sound like. We just play what we feel and we definitely
don't give a fuck about what people will say. One of the most important
elements in this music is the spontaneous way. This is our motivation and
we're not willing to change that.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have
influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

None of us is into other musical styles. We listen
tons of new music and there is always something to get inspired with. Some
bands that very often crush my ears are Judas Iscariot, Krieg, Ascension,
Mgla, Craft, Leviathan, Horna, Goatlord, Bestial Summoning, Aura Noir, Nekromantheon,
and thousands of others.

11. How do you feel your music differs from other
bands that have originated in Greece?

We don't feel that our music differs from other Greek
bands .We like what we play and we do it just for ourselves. But I would
like to say that back in the late 80s and early 90s there were some Greek bands
that truly felt what black metal is all about. These bands created the the
infamous Greek sound and marked the underground scene worldwide with some
of the most influential albums recorded ever. We all know for which bands
and albums I’m talking about. Nowadays there is something like a
competition in speed, technique, image and ''big'' words. I hope that soon this
carnival will reach its death.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Echancrure are a 1 man band from France that has been featured before in this zine that started out of experimental black metal but have evolved more into an experimental drone act with this new recording and this is a review of their 2012 ep "Discours Sur Le Colonialisme" which was released by Le Creepuscule Du Soir Productions.

Drum programming are all slow beats that have a trip hop feeling to them as well as some more militant parts, while the synths and sound effects bring elements of industrial, avant garde, experimental and noise to the music, as for the saxophones they have a free form jazz feeling to them along with some heavy bass lines being thrown into the music at times with the only song on this recording being over 20 minutes.

Vocals are mostly spoken word parts with some hip hop and rap elements, while the lyrics are written in French and cover dark themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound with none of the black metal influences that where present on their earlier material.

In my opinion this is another great recording from Echancrure and while it does not have the black metal elements the earlier releases have, I still feel this will appeal to people that like dark and experimental music. RECOMMENDED BUY.

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Writing mainly at the moment - got a few new songs nailed, although we haven't had a chance to rehearse them as a band yet. Hopefully we will be playing some more live shows soon too.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new ep and how it differs from previous releases?

I wouldn't say it's too different, although the two new songs Black Thrashing Terror and Archangel Burial are more primitive which reflects our overall progression, or regression, in our writing.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics that the band explores with new release?

Lyrically we have no particular agenda other than to uphold the proud traditions of bestial and thrash metal, we refuse to break new ground - if it ain't broke etc.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

I wanted to try and encompass all over genre influences in one word, while still being fairly unique and original, so the Cult is for all the black metal within us and the Finder is a salute to Witchfinder General and our doom metal elements.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

My favourite performance so far was Black Death Assault with Craven Idol and Funeral Throne in December, just a great all-dayer with great atmosphere and a real sense of brotherhood and community. We don't get to rehearse much, so our live performances can vary, but if it's a good day you can expect a very ferocious and thrashy set. We're in the process of lengthening our set, but so far it's always been a short sharp thrash attack!

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

Not as yet, as I say we're concentrating on new material, but when we get a chance to play, we will!

7. The new release came out of Eldritch Lunar Miasma how did you get in contact with thes label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?

ELM have been incredible to work with, very supportive and made every step as easy as possible. Tom picked up a flyer for our demo tape about 18 months ago and when we were looking for a label he was my first choice.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black and thrash metal?

We are still working on getting ourselves to a worldwide audience, but we have had some good reaction from Singapore, which would be a great place to be appreciated. I like to think our style of bestial thrash has international appeal as we incorporate a lot of influence from South American bands like Perversor and Vulcano.

9. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

Well our drummer and bassist are in doom metallers Witchsorrow, who have just put out their second album on Rise Above, so they're fairly busy now with gigs, one reason we've been pretty quiet! For myself, I've just started a tape label, Ferrous Void Productions and the first release should be out in the next couple months.

10. What direction do you see your music in to on future releases?

Our new material is definitely more primitive, but still maintains a similar riff structure, alternating between fast and slow, thrash and doom. I'd like to have one song that's all slow riffs, but our drummer Wilbeherit gets upset if there isn't enough blasts!

11. What are some of the bands and musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

I would say our primary influences are Nifelheim, Bathory and Perversor, but there are doomy Archgoat type riffs too. Lately I've been digging a lot of Proclamation, Bestial Raids and Grave Miasma, I'd like to get some of that atmospheric death metal in our music somehow!

12. How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?

I like the aesthetic and symbolism of Satanism. It's inseparable from the tradition of heavy metal and has been there since the days of Coven and Black Sabbath, but I think there's a lot of bullshit talked about it these days, with only a small percentage of bands actually practicing what they preach.

13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

I read a lot, contemporary fiction and history books mainly. I try to write too and get to art galleries when I can, other than that, when I'm not slaving at work, I just hang out with my wife and watch a lot of shit TV.

14. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Only to say cheers for the interview and the support and to recommend our fellow countrymen Craven Idol, Sepuku and Winds Of Genocide!

Saturday, July 14, 2012

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the project for those that have never heard of you before?

Yudlugar is a solo act which has existed for around 10 years in one form or another. Musically it has gradually transitioned through many styles of music, starting off with noise and drone, moving through jungle and breakcore before arriving at it's current destination. A learning curve has existed and it has really been over the last 1-2 years where the quality has reached a level which has allowed the project to take off.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

I use black metal samples and influences within a framework of speedcore as well as elements of breakcore. I try and keep the sound raw, heavy and relentless.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the project explores with the music?

With a few exceptions, I don't write lyrics. Although I sample vocals, I'm more interested in the contribution of the vocals to the overall sound of the music, rather than the lyrical content.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the projects name?

The word "Yudlugar" doesn't really have a meaning, it was made up during a game of scrabble (it was challenged and it didn't score any points)

5. Recently you have released a split with Moloch, what are your opinions about the other project that participated?

Sergiy's music is great, as I mentioned earlier I had a period where I made drone music and for 2-3 years I was very much into the doom, drone, southern lord type stuff. I hadn't had much exposure to the depressive black metal style he does but it is exactly the sort of music I like to listen to. The split came about as a result of the remix I did for him and I especially like his vocals and guitar tone.

6. The split came out on Legs Akimbo Records, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

It's a fairly new label but so far has released stuff (or is about to) from Total Fucking Destruction, Skat Injector, Screamerklauz, Hatewire, Pressterror, Corecaine, Disco Cunt and Sadistic Foxician. Alongside the physical releases there is a net label and there is a lot of good stuff available for free through there - including the split I did with Nuh at the end of 2011. I like the label because there is no strict musical policy as far as genres are concerned and going through the releases I've been introduced to some stuff I wouldn't normally listen to.

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal and breakbeat music?

Well, it's been very mixed but I think it's clear that not everyone who enjoys the individual components will enjoy the end result of what I create. I've played some grind gigs, metal gigs, raves and had some positive responses. I find my music is received better in certain countries, such as Germany and Poland.

8. Are there any other musical projects besides this one or is this full time?

Everything I create is done under the "Yudlugar" name but there are some very different styles that come out of it. I recently made an ambient track for a Splatterkore Reck-ords compilation!

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

I'm working on another release for towards the end of the year which will be more of a grim, necro style. I also have plans for a release based around mathematical sequences, such as 666, 666666, 666666666, 666666666666 and so on but I have no idea how that will end up sounding. I make music that I want to listen to so to an extent, the direction will be vary much based around my place in life.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

My music has mainly been introduced by various clubnights around the UK, including Panzram Industrial and Earblender. I find I am at my most productive the few days after spending a night listening to extreme music. Obviously my music is heavily influenced by the bands I sample - bands like, Mayhem, Darkthrone, Emperor, Marduk, 1349 - I use samples from artists that I respect.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Cultfinder are a band from the U.K that mixes bestial black metal with thrash metal and this is a review of their 2012 ep "Black Thrashing Terror" which was released by Eldritch Lunar Miasma.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced that fast riffs that combine bestial style black metal with thrash along with a great amount of raw and primitive elements being thrown into the riffing, while the lead guitars which are only utilized briefly have a v ery dark and old school metal feeling to them.

Vocals are mostly 80's style black/thrash metal screams, while the lyrics cover Thrashing, Satanism, Occultism and Blasphemy, ass for the production it has a very dark, heavy, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Cultfinder are a very great sounding raw and primitive hybrid of bestial black metal and thrash and if you are a fan of this musical style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Witching Curse". RECOMMENDED BUY.